Overview
St. Croix County is located in Wisconsin with a population of approximately 97,954. The St. Croix County Circuit Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Wisconsin probate is governed by Chapter 851-882 of the Wisconsin Statutes. The process begins with filing an Application for Informal Administration (Form PR-1801) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Transfer by Affidavit is available for estates valued at $50,000 or less. This simplified procedure allows heirs to transfer assets without full court supervision.
Wisconsin does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "just and reasonable" based on the services performed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the St. Croix County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
St. Croix County Government Center
Probate matters in St. Croix County are handled at the St. Croix County Government Center.
Address: 1101 Carmichael Road, Suite 1522, Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: 715-386-4619 (Register in Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register in Probate office is located in Suite 1522 within the Government Center. This office coordinates judicial duties and administrative functions for probate and juvenile courts.
Parking and Access
There is a large public parking lot available at the Government Center. The building is accessible to the public during business hours. Visitors should use the main entrance; there is a separate entrance for the Sheriff's Office and Jail.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Transfer by Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less, you may be able to use this simplified form to transfer assets without opening a court case.
- Summary Settlement/Assignment: Available for estates where the value does not exceed $50,000 or where the estate value does not exceed costs, expenses, and priority claims.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Application
If formal probate is needed, file an Application for Informal Administration (Form PR-1801) with the St. Croix County Register in Probate. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Order for Hearing and Notice (Form PR-1803)
- Filing fee (0.2% of estate value for estates over $10,000)
- Waiver and Consent forms from interested parties (if applicable)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants in Wisconsin circuit courts.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 20 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in St. Croix County for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the application. At the hearing (or upon review of the file if no hearing is required), the court reviews the application and, if approved, issues Domiciliary Letters (Letters Testamentary or Administration).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and set a deadline for claims (typically 3-4 months).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 6 months.
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a final accounting and Estate Receipt to close the estate.
Local Requirements
St. Croix County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Wisconsin courts utilize a mandatory e-filing system for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may opt-in to e-file.
- Filing Will: The original will must be filed with the Register in Probate within 30 days of death, even if no probate is opened.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in St. Croix County for three consecutive weeks.
- Bond: The court may require a surety bond unless the will waives it or all interested parties agree to waive it.
Always check with the Register in Probate for the most current local rules and checklist requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (St. Croix County)
- Application for Informal Administration: 0.2% of the value of property subject to administration (minimum $20).
- Transfer by Affidavit: No court filing fee (recorded with Register of Deeds, fee varies).
- Certified copies of Letters: $3.00 for the first page + $1.00 for each additional page + $1.00 for certification.
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$300 depending on the newspaper.
- Objection to Probate: $20.00
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (service fees may apply).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Creditor claim periods (3-4 months) and tax processing times significantly influence the timeline.
Local Resources
St. Croix County Court Resources
- Court Website: sccwi.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Wisconsin Court System Self-Help
- Wisconsin Probate Forms: Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral: wisbar.org
- Judicare Legal Aid: 800-472-1638 — Civil legal services for low-income Wisconsin residents.
Publication
- Hudson Star-Observer: 715-386-9333 — Newspaper of general circulation.
- New Richmond News: 715-246-6881 — Newspaper of general circulation.